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Demon Stone Character Sketch: Illius

For generations, Illius' family has provided knights and paladins for the Silver guard of Silverymoon. Their lineage is ancient, stretching back to the founding of the city. However, ever since Illius was young, he has always shown a great aptitude for magic.

He suppressed his magical talent and continued with his martial studies, learning to fight with weapons and ride horses. He practiced hard on the Fields of Honor, but never with much talent. His real talent lay in magic, which flowed through him effortlessly. Even as a small boy he could light candles with magic and freeze glasses of water.

When he was eight, he made the mistake of performing for his family. With each successive feat of minor magic, his father's face became angrier. While levitating a chair, his father erupted and splintered the chair with his powerful hands. He then announced that no son of his was going to practice magic. He told Illius' that he was never to perform "tricks" again. After that Illius hid his magical practice from his family and dutifully studied his martial skills.

That all changed when he made the acquaintance of a curious gnome named Nanfoodle, a charming sorcerer/alchemist. Illius' family had hired him to create spectacular dyes for their emblems and crests. Seeing Illius' talent, the gnome taught him the beginnings of real magic.

The true gift that Nanfoodle gave to Illius was the promise and power of spellcraft. He also related stories of the Drizzt, and of the wonders of the wider world. Nanfoodle said that he was leaving soon and that Illius could go with him to see Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun, a great mage who might be willing to teach him.

That night Illius went to his father determined to follow his heart and talent. After a huge fight with his family about continuing the family name and heritage, Illius left Silverymoon under threats from his father that he would be disowned.

The next day, Illius set out with Nanfoodle and after a long journey arrived at the tower of Khelben. At first Khelben was not welcoming, as he didn't want to take on a student, but after talking with Illius and seeing his vast power, Khelben agreed to take him on as an apprentice. After several years Illius had become confident that he possessed the skills to survive the dangers of the wider world and set out to visit Drizzt and to explore it.

Illius' Role in the Party

Illius' powerful magic allows him to rain death down on his opponents from afar. While the other two heroes can use projectiles, Illius' magic is by far the most powerful and is unlimited. Because of his martial studies, Illius can use his staff to head splitting effect, but isn't as tough as the other two characters and can get into trouble quickly when fighting in close combat. Don't underestimate Illius' other spells -- like sleep and protection. When used in concert with the other heroes, these can be very powerful.